*** Official Gigabyte 8KNXP/Ultra (875P) Thread ***

[Blackbox]

I was planning on an 8KNXP using dual 512 MB Corsair TwinX 3200 RAM. But it seems some of you are having serious problems with this.

Can I expect to get it to run at 2-2-5-2 at 2.5V?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[bc120]

Just need some info. Does the board support 68 pin or 80 pin scsi HDs? Or both.

Thanks Ahead of time.

BC

 

[fLoOdY]

Originally posted by: bc120
Just need some info. Does the board support 68 pin or 80 pin scsi HDs? Or both.

Thanks Ahead of time.

BC

68 Pin LVD. Does not support 80 Pin SCA.

Data Sheet on AIC-7902W http://www.adaptec.com/pdfs/aic7902_datasheet.pdf

HostRAID UserGuide http://www.adaptec.com/pdfs/user_guides/hostraid_ug.pdf

Michael

 

[Canterwood]

Recently got the GA-8IK1100 version of this motherboard and so far I'm pretty pleased with it.
Haven't tried it yet, but I've heard that the 2.4C's are good overclockers.
Anyone here had any good o/c results with this board?

 

[Skoal]

Thought I'd add to the discussion. So far I haven't had the best luck with this board. The primary reason is the HD setup. Currently I am running (or was running) both a WD raptor SATA through the IT8212 chip (non-raid) and a Maxtor 80gb ata133 drive. Eventhough I install all the correct raid drivers through the windows XP setup, XP installation insists on placing the MBR on the Maxtor drive. Eventhough the rest of the OS will install to the raptor, boot times are much slower due to the MBR being on a different drive. I tried a work around by installing the OS with MBR on the raptor and connecting the Maxtor later, but this didn't work; I received the non-system disk error at the end of the bios loading. The bios insists on booting to an IDE HD if placed in the primary IDE channel; as others have mentioned in this thread, you can route the sata drive to the "primary ide channel", but the unfortunate result is that no ide devices will be recognized if in the primary channel if selection this sata option. I have not had an opportunity to test the setup placing the IDE drive in the secondary IDE channel.

Which brings me to my second problem, which may or may not be a 8knxp related issue. Shutdown issues. Even with the MBR being on the Maxtor, OS on the raptor, and all XP updates (incluing SP1) being installed. The system will not shutdown. It goes through all the shutdown processes, but reboots instead of turning off in the end. I tried to tweak XP a few different ways to force a shutdown, but none were completely successful; of the three times that the PSU did actually shutdown, (New Antec True Blue 480) would make an unusual 2-3 click noise, which didn't sound right at all. On my final XP tweak for this issue, I heard the nasty clicking shutdown, but it looks like this last time, my maxtor was fried, as it will not spin at all, and is not recognized. I can't tell if it's the board or the PSU so it looks like I am going to have to RMA both. All in all, this has been a disappointing experience, and yet I know that it's just one of those things. When running, the board, and its features were terrific. If anyone has some thoughts on solutions to any of thses issuess, it would be much appreciated.:|

 

[Skoal]

Double post... sorry

 

[ShoNuff]

floOdy, do you think you would have been able to use the DPS Module (in conjunction with the Zalman CNPS7000-AlCu) if you took the fan off of it? That is what I did to my SINXP1394. I have the 8KNXP on the way and would like to keep the DPS module, witht out the fan attached, and my Zalman if possible.

Originally posted by: fLoOdY

Originally posted by: churlb
Javic,

I have the same system and the same problem. Random BSOD/lockups. Currently I'm using the GA-8KNXP, 2 Corsair 3200LL 2CS 512, Pentium 4 3GHz, and 2 WD Raptor HDs in RAID 0. However, I can't get past the last step (saving) of Windows XP installation. Before that it was worse, kept rebooting all the time. I read the forums about changing the timing and read the RAM GUY'S comments on the Corvair forum about the stability of the 3200LL memory. I tried to change the timing as indicated, but no joy - same problems.

Can you ( or anyone else ) get in touch with me and share with me your configuration so I can get this thing working, please?

I'm getting ready to return the 3200LL for 3500 as I don't see any alternative. I don't think that Gigabyte is very responsive to consumer's needs.

Also, I know that the RAM GUY said that Gigabyte techs had some sort of BIOS update they haven't released yet that fixes the problem. But, they haven't posted it yet (arghh!). If you or anyone else here has it, would you mind emailing it to me, pretty please?

Thanks to all

I have the GA-8KNXP Ultra, 3.0/800 and 2x512 Twinx 3200LL. BIOS is F5, Load Optimized Defaults, timings CAS2/2T/5T/2T and +0.1 Volts, Top Performance. No BSODs. All IDE/RAID is disabled, running SCSI. XP Full Retail Install with SP1 imbedded.

I too have a BIOS issue concerning SCSI. Running on 1x72GB 15k.3 Cheetah, waiting on a BIOS fix for the Adaptec 7902W ASIC. When I can actually configure the HostRAID, I'll be running two of these striped for RAID0. To date, system just has been stress tested frequently with Sandra Burn-In, not actually in production until I have HostRAID support working. (I DO wonder what will happen when I add a second pair of TwinX 3200LL 512s)

When I finally reached a human in California Gigabyte Support, they have been responsive and concerned with my issue. Gent's name is Lawrence and he has kept me updated with what the SW Engineers iin Taiwan are up to by voice and email. After testing my report, they readily agreed that SCSI has a problem and they are working on a fix. I'm a SAN engineer and know how it goes.. so I am pretty patient.

Last night, replaced existing Alpha 8942T heatsink with a Zalman CNPS7000-AlCu. No room for DPS Module, but I wasn't using it anyway. This sink is a _very tight fit_ on this board and it just clears the first stick by 3/16". That stick will not be coming out with this heatsink attached. The thing is quiet even at full speed, so the included FanMate1 rheo is really unnecessary with all of the other ventillation happening.

(Case is LianLi PC75 with 4 Panaflo Mediums on the rear and 2 Panaflo Highs on the front controlled by FrozenCPU's 6 Port Baybus. PS is a PerformancePC custom-sleeved Enermax 651 with Antec blue LED fans [The Antecs will be swapped-out with more Panaflos.. noisy] All custom wiring is sleeved/shrinked to length by mois with soldered connections. All opticals will be gradually sent out for silver vinyl dying by PerformancePCs)

 

[fLoOdY]

Originally posted by: ShoNuff
floOdy, do you think you would have been able to use the DPS Module (in conjunction with the Zalman CNPS7000-AlCu) if you took the fan off of it? That is what I did to my SINXP1394. I have the 8KNXP on the way and would like to keep the DPS module, witht out the fan attached, and my Zalman if possible.

Originally posted by: fLoOdY

Originally posted by: churlb

Hmmm.... maybe. I'll check it a liitle later after I get my day going. My wife became very ill over the weekend and beginning her second day in ICU... so I am a little distracted today.

Michael

 

[harddrive747]

Hey guys, I'm back. I just wanted to let you guys know about my weekend with my motherboard. I got the 8KNXP version. Well I was able to get everything going and flashed the BIOS to F5. I load the default then rebooted and then loaded Optimized. I left everything standard and I'm not over clocking. The system has been really stable. I also disable things like the SATA and other devices that I'm not planning on using. I did leave the firewire and the USB and I disabled the onboard sound.

I had a bit of a problem getting the drivers for the GigaRAID installed. If you go this way, you need to put on floppy the directory structor of the drivers, the txtsetup.oem and THE MOST IMPORTANT iteraid. The second file needs to be on the floppy so that Windows XP Pro will believe that it is a manufactor's disk.

After that everything loaded up great. I did have a problem with the Pinnacle board that I have for video capture. I have read about a lot of trouble getting that board to load. So I thought it was because of what I installed, so I took out a few things and none works. So Monday night about 6 p.m., I decided to do a clean install of XP and install the drivers for the board first, but still have the same problem.

Other than that everything is up and running, DVD works, I'm able to burn and the system is just flying right along. Tempature on the process range from 43 to 50 C.

One other problem that I have is that each time I want to do a reboot of the system, I have to do a cold boot on it. I cannot do a warm boot. The problem is that apparently when you do a warm reboot, the RAID controller doesn't scan the hard drives and so when it is time to boot, it can't find the hard drives. So I just power off and back on and everything is fine. I think I will write Gigabyte about that and see what they have to say. Any one got and idea of why on a reboot it doesn't rescan the RAID controller?

Other than that enjoying it and my Train Simulator has much better graphics and my better frames per second.

I may overclock this board down the road, but right now, I'm not touching it.

See ya

 

[xxsk8er101xx]

My motherboard is going. How can i tell? i can't. "wha!" you say. Lets just say that i'm having too many problems. I keep getting "end point format is invalid", if anyone can explain this error i get that crashes windows completely that would be sweet. It was also paired with "Delay write failure" problems, and my sound, ethernet, and usb ports not working at all. My floppy drive also reports every floppy i put in there as being bad. These errors are RANDOM and it makes it very hard to accuretly find exactly what is wrong. But i can basicly conclude at least for now - that my motherboard is bad.

Now i managed to lose the error by disabling the onboard floppy controller and all of my usb ports. The 2 ports on the VIA controller still work. I've also disabled fastwrites for another problem i'm having. (another long story) BUT! now my video card is acting weird. It keeps losing the display settings. The video card is brand new and considering the other problems i have motherboard related - it's logical to conclude that the AGP port is going too. My computer also runs choppy and slow at times. I reboot and a random problem happens, pick any of the 5 or 6 (i've lost count) above.

Hence why i' m writing here. sorry this is long!!! lol! just need some help here ...

this gigabyte motherboard is the best motherboard i've seen out there. the non-ultra. I think the ultra is a waste. Now it's 230 dollars. thats a lot! But i take into consideration of everything that comes with it.

My Rig:
Intel P4 3.06ghz HT enabled
Abit IT7 Max w/ latest bios - (what a peice of crap!!!)
ATI AIW 9700 Pro 128MB
Corsair 512MB XMS PC2700
WD SE x2 80GB RAID 0
Santa Cruz Sound card
Sony DVD+-RW
Pioneer 16x tray DVD-ROM
ZIP 250
Firewire external drive
8 USB devices plugged in, 1 is the Ext cable to use with my USB Flash reader/writer, i have more but they arn't important. I have about 10 all together.

Now my questions:

1) I've been reading a lot of reports about incampatibilties. Mainly about RAM. Can someone inform me about these "problems" that are known with this board so i can avoid them?

2) Do I NEED TwinX memory moduals or can i just buy 2 512MB Dimms that are the same?

3) WIth DUal Channel do I NEED 2 RAM sticks installed or can i go ahead and use one stick?

4) Does the non-ultra board have normal IDE RAID?

5) Can i buy "IDE to serial ATA" Adapters and what kind do i need for this board? I'd like to throw everything on serial ata if i can! the ribbon cables drive me mad! (well 5 IDE devices!). How much do they cost?

I would GREATLY appreciate your help!!!!! At this point 230 dollars doesn't look bad if i can get my computer working to a point where i can do my work-hobby.

THANKS!!!!

 

[MrTransistorm]

xxsk8er101xx,

I can't answer all of your questions, but I'll provide a few pointers.

1. Memory problems: It seems to me that the problems that people have been having are due to running dual channel mode at extremely low latencies. This is a brand new chipset, and this happens to be one of the bugs. If you relax the timings a little it will be stable. This will yield a mild performance loss that will only be measureable with benchmark programs. This is the best we can do until Intel improves the platform.

2. Matched memory: Buying TWINX is no different than buying each module separately. Just make sure that both modules are the same in all aspects (size, speed, timings, etc.). A note on Corsair TWINX memory: it appears that several 875/865 motherboards are not handling the low latency very well so choose it at your own risk.

3. Dual versus Single Channel DDR: The Dual Channel DDR memory controller is one of the top reasons to buy a motherboard with the 875/865 chipset. With it the main memory bandwidth finally is able to match the FSB bandwidth. This makes for a huge increase in performance. If you have only one DIMM now, you should consider getting another identical stick so that you can run in dual-channel mode.

4. RAID Functions:
A. ICH5R provides RAID 0 to two SATA ports and NO RAID to two PATA100 channels
B. Silicon Image SIL3112 provides RAID 0 or 1 to two SATA ports
C. GigaRAID IT8212F provides RAID 0, 1, or 0+1 on two PATA133 channels

This board apparently will run THREE independent RAID setups simultaneously. In addition it allows a total of TEN drives to be connected! The options on this board are far more extensive than the average user is likely to make use of. There is a reason why it is so expensive...

 

[KrAkPoT]

Transistorm...

what do you mean by the 875 chipset not handling the low latency very well..i was planning on getitng an Asus P4C800 delux or a Gigabyte 8KNXP Non Ultra with TWINx 512 LLPT?

will these mobo have problems..

kP

 

[xxsk8er101xx]

I think what he is saying is that dual channel is still fairly new and sensative right now. So you probably don't want to overclock your RAM is what he is saying i think.

I'm also thinking of getting the gigabyte board you mentioned. I'm just going to get 2x pc3200 DIMMS. i'm not gonna bother with that twinx crap. I think it's a marketing gimmick. If you notice you pay more too. Seems to be quite unstable as well. I've decided on 2x 256MB of RAM. cheaper that way. i don't need a gig of ram lol!

Now i'd like to know about PATA to SATA converters? Are there any decent ones out there and is there anything i should know about these? Whats a good one to get?

thanks!

 

[MrTransistorm]

First of all let me say that I'm certainly no expert I am basing my words on the reviews and user comments I have read. I don't even have one of these boards yet. At the moment I'm leaning towards the Gigabyte 8KNXP non-ultra.

For example this review at Tom's Hardware clearly shows the problems these boards are having with different modules of RAM. It's interesting to point out that both the Asus and Gigabyte boards were able to run Corsair memory at 2-2-2-5 with no trouble. The problem that the Abit board was having with resetting the timings has apperently been fixed with a bios update. The MSI board looks like one to stay away from since it refused to boot with 3 out of 7 DIMMs. The automatic overclocking is really sketchy, too.

That was only one review, though. To get a real perspective you have to read as many different reviews as you can find. As more people buy these boards we will get more feedback about their use in the real world. We will find out what types of RAM and BIOS settings/updates work.

 

[KrAkPoT]

Well i saw the review at Tom's and it looks like the Asus P4C800 board dominated in the gaming bench marks..and the only thing holding me back from getting the Asus is the fact it doesnt have the CAS (for Lan cards) which i heard is a big help if you have one..just check out there benchmarks here Gaming marks for 875 boards

so im caught between a rock and a hard place...

any more hlep would be apprecated..because i odnt upgrade often so this has to LAST me a LONG time (1-2years)

 

[fLoOdY]

Originally posted by: fLoOdY

Originally posted by: ShoNuff
floOdy, do you think you would have been able to use the DPS Module (in conjunction with the Zalman CNPS7000-AlCu) if you took the fan off of it? That is what I did to my SINXP1394. I have the 8KNXP on the way and would like to keep the DPS module, witht out the fan attached, and my Zalman if possible.

Originally posted by: fLoOdY

Originally posted by: churlb

Hmmm.... maybe. I'll check it a liitle later after I get my day going. My wife became very ill over the weekend and beginning her second day in ICU... so I am a little distracted today.

Wife is coming out of ICU today, so I felt like messing with this a bit. Removed the Fan from the DPS module and tried it with the Zalman. It fits. Fortunately the DPS heatsink ribs run vertically, so it will pick up a bit of the 92mm Zalman fan downdraft. I think I will leave him in.

As of today, one month since the last BIOS release. (F5 April 30) These Gigabyte Taiwan Sw developers are slow.

Meanwhile, this new $3000 box is sitting idle... waiting for Adaptec HostRAID to work. Now I'm losing my patience. HTH could they let it out the door with this glaring omission? Dont these guys know that the code that makes the Adaptec AIC-7902 ASIC work is resident with the system BIOS code? Last word was they have to consult with Adaptec OEM support to get some sample code from them. This dog does not hunt.

If anyone is contemplating a purchase of this board with the intent of using the Adaptec SCSI HostRAID, you have a think coming.

Sheesh!

 

[bc120]

floody, let me know when gigabyte gets the scsi raid fixed and u get yours working.....im not buying this board till then


thnx
bc

 

[fLoOdY]

Originally posted by: bc120
floody, let me know when gigabyte gets the scsi raid fixed and u get yours working.....im not buying this board till then


thnx
bc

I certainly will, bc120.

Which reminds me... I should go complete the User Review for this board at the dealer, AxionTech.com. I might as well warn some folks off who are thinking of spending a +$200 premium for imbedded SCSI HostRAID that does not work.

 

[xxsk8er101xx]

that really sucks that the scsi doesn't work. SHoudln't gigabyte re-call these boards?

well i opted out on getting gigabyte. I was gonna get this board the non-ultra one. but i found almost the samething for 150 instead. Check out the p4p800 if you're justing looking for nice features and IDE RAID and/or Serial ATA RAID. ya it's the springdale chipest but i doubt you'll be losing much performance! Unless you really need ECC memory i really so no point in spending that kind of extra cash. Oops the asus p4p800 deluxe i mean!

think about it .. for 150 you get a board plus another 200, i'll say for 32bit ultra 160 or 320 whichever, thats still 350 and cheaper
than the gigabyte board! Even if the card is 250 - that still evens out to 400 and you know the card you get will work too.

so much for a quick reply lol! oh well - laterz!

 

[fLoOdY]

Originally posted by: xxsk8er101xx
that really sucks that the scsi doesn't work. SHoudln't gigabyte re-call these boards?

well i opted out on getting gigabyte. I was gonna get this board the non-ultra one. but i found almost the samething for 150 instead. Check out the p4p800 if you're justing looking for nice features and IDE RAID and/or Serial ATA RAID. ya it's the springdale chipest but i doubt you'll be losing much performance! Unless you really need ECC memory i really so no point in spending that kind of extra cash. Oops the asus p4p800 deluxe i mean!

think about it .. for 150 you get a board plus another 200, i'll say for 32bit ultra 160 or 320 whichever, thats still 350 and cheaper
than the gigabyte board! Even if the card is 250 - that still evens out to 400 and you know the card you get will work too.

so much for a quick reply lol! oh well - laterz!

I already have a couple of 39320 Dual Channel U160 boards, 4 SCSI Plextors, 2 Pioneer 305S SCSI DVD-ROMs and 5 15K Cheetahs of various capacities. I don't even own an EIDE hard drive.

My attraction to the Gigabyte with the inbedded SCSI was for neatness of cabling, low slot usage and the ability to stripe two brand new ST373453LW 73GB 15.K3 Cheetahs for RAID0 that I bought specifically for this board. If you can't get into the SCSIselect Utility, you can't configure HostRaid, Bootable CD-ROMs, or any other non-defaults.

Commodity drives are not an option that I would consider for my own use. (speed, reliability and MTBF)

What they SHOULD do is known in this business as a manufacturing-ship hold, where they shop shipping until there is a fix, then they rework all units in stock before lifting the hold.

They've known about this issue for three weeks now, so it is starting to look like bad faith[b/] on Gigabyte's part at this point. They are turning me into a terrorist[i/].

My storage customers at HP would never get treated like this. We might take a while to fix something, but the customers waiting are kept constantly updated with the progress. At first, Gigabyte seemed to be handling it responsibly, but they are beginning to look pretty lame.

I also did a User Review at Neoseeker.com today. If anybody knows of other sites to leave some fLoOdY droppings, please let me know.

 

[xxsk8er101xx]

fLoOdY - geeze i didn't even know it had SCSI RAID! You sure? i never hard about it anywhere!?

 

[fLoOdY]

Originally posted by: xxsk8er101xx
fLoOdY - geeze i didn't even know it had SCSI RAID! You sure? i never hard about it anywhere!?

Absolutely... the chief difference with the 8KNXP-Ultra model and the reason it streets for $400+. See Evan's review on it right here: http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.html?i=1813&p=2

 

[ShoNuff]

floOdy, it appears things are improving with your significant other. I'm glad to hear that. Secondly, I bought the 8KNXP (Non-Ultra) and the Zalman fits fine as you reported. I love this board. I'm using the 10K WD Raptors and XP installed incredibly fast. Windows formatted my C partition so fast that I thought that I mistakenly selected the "Quick" format option.

All I need to do now is replace this 3.06GHz CPU with an 800FSB one and I'll be "Good to go!"

 

[fLoOdY]

Originally posted by: ShoNuff
floOdy, it appears things are improving with your significant other. I'm glad to hear that. Secondly, I bought the 8KNXP (Non-Ultra) and the Zalman fits fine as you reported. I love this board. I'm using the 10K WD Raptors and XP installed incredibly fast. Windows formatted my C partition so fast that I thought that I mistakenly selected the "Quick" format option.

All I need to do now is replace this 3.06GHz CPU with an 800FSB one and I'll be "Good to go!"

Thanks for the good thoughts. She has a ways to go with a side trip for some rehab before she comes home. She was gravely ill for a week. Kind of puts things into perspective... you appreciate the good times in life far more when you have had to confront adversity. It has been a banner year for that so far.

Yep the Zalman fits... barely. I think you will enjoy it very much! Best air cooling there is, and quiet too. I did not use the FanMate rheo and just enable SmartFan in the BIOS. It will be way-easier to keep clean than many others too.

Now I'm thinking about trying their heatpipe VGA cooler. I also have their passive NB heatsink, but have not gotten around to putzing with that yet. -Now if I could just use the dang machine the way I intended to instead of playing with parts, mods, and admiring the pretty lighting...

 

[xxsk8er101xx]

ShoNuff - why get a new cpu if you already have a 3.06ghz? by this time next year DDR-II and a new socket will be out requireing a new motherboard and
new RAM and a new CPU since it has a new socket. This is the real prescott i guess. After that in 2005 tejas is coming out at what, 6ghz or something?

i'm gonna run my 3.06ghz to the ground or until i see 6ghz chips. not worth spending 500 dollars for an extra 5% performance boost.